schneider



E. SCHNEIDER.

GUN CARRIAGE.

APPLICATION man JULY 30.1917.

1 ,32 1,774. Patented Nov. u, 1919.

SHEETS-SHEET l.

E. SCHNEIDER.

GUN CARRIAGE.

h APPLICATION FILED JuLY 30.1911.

1 ,32 1,774. Patented Nov. 11, 1919.

SHEETSQSHEET 2.

E. SCHNEIDER.

GUN CARRIAGE. APPLICATION FILED'JU'LY 3 0. Isn.

Patented Nov. 11, 1919.

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,APPLICATION FILED JULY 30.1911.

Patented Nov. 11, 1919.

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Patentedy Nov. 11, 1919.

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E. SCHNEIDER.

GUN CARRIAGE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 30.1917.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

Patented Nov. 11, 1919.

E. SCHNEIDER. GUN CARRIAGE. APPLICATION FILED JULY 30.1911.

1,321,774. f Patented N0v.11,1919.

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UNITED sTATEs PATENT oEEioE.

EUGENE SCHNEIDER, 0F LE CREUZOT, FRANCE, ASSIGNOR T0 SCHNEIDER 8c CIE., OF PARIS, FRANCE, A LIMITED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY 0F FRANCE.

GUN-CARRIAGE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 11, 1919.

Application led J'uly 30, 1917. Serial No. 183,594.

To all whom t may concern Be it known that I, EUGENE SCHNEIDER, a citizen yof the French Republic, residing at Le Creuzot, Sane-et-Loire, France, have invented a new and useful Improvement in or Relating to Gun-Carriages, which is fully set forth in the following specification.

This invention has for its object to provide an improved carriage for guns of large caliber.

This improved gun carriage comprises a carriage framing of the platform type, ythe central portion of which is adapted to carry the gun mounting proper, while the ends of the carriage framing are supported on or suspended from the truck of two pairs of caterpillars.

According to the present invent-ion the supporting on or suspension from the caterpillar trucks is effected by a member of inverted T-shape whose base or horizontal cross piece rests at its ends by means of bearings upon the corresponding two caterpillar trucks, and constitutes the pivot for the rocking movement of each of the said caterpillars. The vertical limb of this T- shaped member is pivoted on the said base and serves at its upper part as a kind of attachment for the corresponding end of the carriage framing. This attachment may be rigid, but is preferably constituted. by means of shock-absorbers of the spring, hydraulic or other type. The base or crosspiece of the connecting T-shaped member` between the carriage framing and the pair of caterpillars may be so constructed as to serve for the attachment thereto of a draftdevice. The vertical limb of the connecting T-shaped member may either serve exclusively for the attachment to or suspension from the end of the carriage framing, or it may serve also as a vertical pivot pin for enabling the corresponding two caterpillars to be steered or rotated horizontally as a whole relatively to the carriage framing.

The manner in which this invention is to be performed will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawingsl which illustrate by way of example two constructional forms of an improved gun carriage according to the present invention.

In these drawings:

Figures 1-7 illustrate a constructional form of an improved gun carriage according to the present invention and Figs. 8 to 12 illustrate a second constructional form of an improved gun carriage according to the present invention, which is characterized by devices to allow of firing the gun when the gun carriage as a whole, including the supporting caterpillars, has been brought parallel to the covering parapet.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the general arrangement of the improved gun carriage;

Fig. 2 is a plan of the same,

Fig. 3 is a side elevation partly in vertical section on the line III-III of Fig. 2, drawn to a larger scale.

Figs. et and 5 are vertical longitudinal sections respectively on the lines IV-IV and V-V of Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is a vertical cross section on the line VIVI of Figs. t and 5;

Fig. 7 is a partial horizontal section on the line VII-VII of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a plan view showing the gun carriage brought into the position for firing parallel to the covering parapet;

Fig. 9 is a longitudinal side elevational view of the gun carriage in position for transport;

Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation on the line III-III of Fig. 8; .p

Fig. 11 is a detail view on a larger scale in sectional elevation on the line IV-IV of Fig. 8, of the elastic anchor and of the abutment of the folding strut upon the latter;

Fig. 12 is a partial cross-section on the line V-V of Fig. 8.

In all these figures, A is the central portion of the carriage framing on which the gun mounting proper B is removably mounted or iiXed by any suitable means.

The forward end A1 and the rear end A2 of the carriage framing, each rests on the two trucks C1 C1 and C2 C2 respectively of two pairs of caterpillars of known construction; these caterpillars serve solely as supporting members.

According to the present invention the ends of the carriage framing rest upon the pairs of caterpillars by means of a T-shaped member. The base, or horizontal crosspiece D of this T-shaped member is journaled in bearings c carried by the corresponding two caterpillar trucks (Fig. 6).

The vertical limb E of this T-shaped member serves for the attachment of the corresponding end of the carriage framing.

In the example shown, the attachment of the carriage framing is effected by means of shock-absorbers. For this purpose the vertical limb E of the T-shaped connecting member extends through the 'body of the carriage framing and carries a plate F on its upper end. This plate serves on one hand for the attachment of rods G supporting the lower abutlnent H for metal springs I, the upper abutment for which is constituted by the carriage framing (Fig. 6).

The plate F at the front end A1 may and preferably does serve for the attachment to one element (for instance the piston J) of liquid shock-absorbers, the other element of which (for instance the cylinder K) is contained in the carriage framing (Fig. 3).

In the case of the forward end A1 of the carriage framing, the T-shaped connecting member (which by means of the end journals of the cross-piece D, allows of an individual longitudinal rocking movement of each of the corresponding caterpillars about the axis of its end journal) is further so constructed as to allow of the two cater pillars as a whole being steered or rotated horizontally relatively to the end of the carriage framing. For this purpose the plate F which is supported by the upper end of the vertical limb E, may be adapted to turn by means of a foot-step bearing on said limb instead of being rigidly fixed to the limb.

As shown in Fig. 3, the vertical limb E has a recess in which a pivot pin M is supported by means of Belleville washers L. The plate -F engages this pivot pin by means of a sleeve f with an interposed steel block f1.

As shown the vertical limb E may be extended below the cross-piece D, in the form of an extension E1 engaging a collar N to which are attached the lower ends of tie-rods or struts O whose upper ends are fastened to the underside of the carriage framing.

The connecting T-shaped member D-E for the rear end A2 of the carriage framing is illustrated in Figs. 4 to 7 In this construction the vertical limb E is pivoted by means of an eye e on a pin cl extending through a slot in the cross-piece D. This construction allows a tilting movement of the two caterpillars as a whole in a transverse vertical plane about the pivot pin (l, in addition to the individual longitudinal rocking movement of the two cater-l pillars about the axis of the cross-piece D.

All horizontal rotational movement of the rear caterpillars as a whole relatively to the carriage framing is prevented by the guidance of the cross-piece D between two pairs of side members O1 which serve also as ties and are attached at their upper ends t0 the underside of the carriage framing,

while their lower ends are attached to the collar N.

The gun carriage is drawn preferably by means of a draft-pole such as shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, comprising a fork whose limbs P are attached to blocks on the cross-piece D.

In firing, the gun carriage is assumed to be resting on three supports, namely the support constituted by the front caterpillars as a whole and the two supports constituted by the two rear caterpillars which are capable of transverse movement about the pivot cl. The strains due to firing are suitably taken by the shock-absorbers which also insure an elastic suspension of the carriage during transport.

During the firing the caterpillars may be prevented from rolling by a brake Q operated in the usual manner by means of ahandwheel g situated within reach of the gun crew.

According to the invention illustrated in Figs. 812 auxiliary supports are provided each constituted by a folding strut, which is jointed at one end to the carriage framing and is supported at its other end elastically by an anchor carrying a hydraulic or other brake combined with a recuperator.

This anchor is preferably constructed in such a manner as to form a brake for absorbing the vertical component of the force of the recoil, and also to form an abutment for a vertical appendix carried by the rear end of the folding strut, for the purpose of effecting the absorption by the anchorage, of a considerable portion of the horizontal component of the force of the recoil.

One of the folding struts is shown in full lines in Fig. 8, extended for use in the firing position of the gun, and in dot and dash lines folded away when the gun is in the position for transport. The other strut is shown in dot and dash lines extended for use in the firing position of the gun, and in full lines folded away, in the position of transport.

In this example, the improved gun carriage comprises, as in the construction according to Figs. 1 to 7, a carriage framing A of the platform type that serves as a support at its middle portion for the gun mounting proper B, with its forward end A1 and rear end A2 resting each on two trucks (l1-C1 and Cg--C2 respectively of two pairs of supporting caterpillars.

For the purpose of being able to bring the `'gun carriage into the firing position, parallel to the covering parapet D1 (Fig. 10), the improved gun carriage is provided according to the present invention with two folding struts F1-G1 each jointed by its forward section F1 to the platform carriage framing A--l 1, by means of a vertical hinge E2 situated near the middle part A at an equal distance from the transverse axis of the said carriage framing, The rear section G1 of each strut is jointed to the section F1 by means of a vertical hinge H1 which allows at will of folding the strut in position for transport or extending the strut for ring the gun. In their extended position the sections Fl and G1 are held in the prolongation of each other by a plug bolt Il. The rear end of the section G1 rests elastic-ally on the anchor placed on the ground.

This anchor comprises an anchor-plate J1 provided with a spade K1 which can be rigidly fixed to the anchor-plate or may consist of a stake engaged in a corresponding slot.

L1 M1 are two concentric sockets projecting from the anchor-plate J1.

The socket M1 forms a cylinder having an axial counter rod m, for a hydraulic brake whose hollow piston N1 forms part of the head 02 upon which the strut section G1 rests, through the medium of a screw g working in a corresponding screw-threaded hole formed in the said section.

The inside face of the head O2 forms a support for one of the ends of a recuperator spring P1 whose other end bears against the bottom of the socket M1. The outer surface of the socket L1 forms a supporting abutment for an appendix G11 which is provided on the section G1 of the folding Strut near the rear end of the latter.

A suitable locking mechanism is provided to maintain the folding strut Fl-Gl in position for transport of the gun. In the example shown, an angle-plate Q2 jointed by means of a hinge g2 to a lug Q1 projecting from the under edge of the longitudinal frame, is adapted to be turned down into the position shown in dot and dash lines in Fig. l2, for the purpose of extending the strut, or of being turned up into the position shown in full lines for holdino' the folded strut; the horizontal limb o the angle plate engaging by means of a plug bolt g1 the upper edge of the longitudinal frame.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, a pair of caterpillar trucks at each end o-f said frame and invert-- ed T-shaped members the cross pieces of which have bearings on said trucks adapted to afford individual rockingv movement for each truck, the stems of the T-shaped members constituting supports for said frame.

2. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, a pair of caterpillar trucks supporting the front and rear ends of said frame, inverted T-shaped members one of which comprises a horizontal crosspiece having bearings on the forward trucks to permit individual rocking movement of said trucks in the direction of travel, and a vertical stem yieldingly supporting said` frame and turnable relatively thereto for steering, the other of said T-shaped members comprising a horizontal cross-piece having bearings on the rear trucks, and a non-revoluble vertical stem yieldingly supporting said frame and having a pivotal support on its cross-piece to permit transverse tilting of said rear trucks.

3. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, a pair of caterpillar trucks at each end of said frame, inverted T-shaped members having bearings on said trucks adapted to afford individual rocking movement for each truck, the stem of each T-shaped member being provided with upper and lower abutment plates, said upper plate being fast to said frame and the lower plate being slidable on said stem, shockabsorbing springs between said last-named plate and said frame, and other shock-absorbing means between said frame and said upper plate.

t. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, a pair of caterpillar trucks at each end of said frame, inverted T-shaped members having bearings on said trucks adapted to afford individual rocking movement for each truck, the stems of said T-shaped members being provided with upper and lower abutment plates, the upper plates being fast to said frame and one of which is turnable on the end of its stem to permit steering, said lower plates being slidable on said stems, shock-absorbing` springs between said last-named plates and said frame, and other shock-absorbing means between said frame and said upper plates.

5. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, a pair of caterpillar trucks at each end of said frame, and inverted T-shaped members the cross pieces of which have bearings on said trucks adapted to afford individual rocking movement for each truck, the stems of said T-shaped members constituting supports for said frame, one of said stems having a pivo-t connection with its cross piece whereby the latter with the trucks may tilt in respect to the carriage frame.

G. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, a pair of caterpillar trucks at each end of said frame, inverted T-shaped members the cross pieces of which have bearings on said trucks adapted to afford individual rocking movement for each truck, the stems of said T-shaped members constituting supports for said frame, one

of said stems having a pivot connection with its cross piece whereby the latter with the trucks may tilt in respect to the carriage frame, and guide struts for one of Said cross pieces fast to said frame and having a collar for receiving an extension of the stem of a T-member, said struts being adapted to prevent horizontal turning of Said trucks relative to the carriage frame.

7. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, struts each having a member hinged at one end to the side of said frame and provided at its opposite end with an extension hinged thereto, and ground anchors each including a shock absorber adapted to receive the end of an eX- tension, said members being adapted to fold against the side of the carriage frame for transportation.

8. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, struts each having a member hinged at one end to the side of said frame and provided at its opposite end with an extension hinged thereto, and ground anchors each including a bra-ke cylinder and pis-ton, one of said elements being adapted to receive the end of one ot' said extensions, said strut members being adapted to fold against the side of said carriage frame for transportation.

9. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, struts each having a member hinged at one end to the side of 30 said frame and provided at its opposite end with an extension terminating in a thrust plate, ground anchors each having a yielding portion adapted receive the vertical thrust component of said strut, and a rigid portion adapted to receive the horizontal thrust component of said strut through said thrust plate.

10. In combination, a gun carriage frame of the platform type, struts cach having a member hinged at one end to the side ot' said frame and provided at its opposite end with an extension hinged thereto, and ground anchors each including a brake cylinder and piston yieldingly separated from 45 each other, one of said elements being adapted to receive the end of said extension, said thrust members being adapted to fold against the side of said carriage frame for transportation.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence or' tivo subscribing witnesses.

EUGENE SCHNEIDER.

IVitnesseS CHAS. P. PREssLY, ANDR l\IosT1oKER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. G. 

